Will Modi factor swing votes in favour of BJP in Assam?

Written by: Maitreyee Boruah

Published: Sunday, March 20, 2016, 16:58 [IST]

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Assam, Mar 20:In the upcoming elections scheduled in four states and one union territory, political pundits feel it is only in the northeastern state of Assam where BJP stands a good chance to form the government.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won seven out of 14 seats in Assam. It was a huge morale boost for the party as the state is ruled by the Congress. The ruling Congress managed only three seats.

The Congress under the leadership of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is ruling the state for last 15 years.

Political observers, who are predicting a win for the BJP-AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) alliance in the forthcoming Assam Assembly Elections 2016, say the anti-incumbency factor will play a big role.

However, many feel that chances of Gogoi forming the government for the fourth consecutive time should not be ruled out.

During the Lok Sabha polls in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (then BJP's prime ministerial candidate) campaigned in Assam. He was whole-heartedly welcomed in the state as Modi fever was at its peak during that time.

His Guwahati rally was a big success and attracted a huge crowd.

After Modi became the PM, he made Assam one of his priority states and made frequent visits to the state. In recent times, we have seen Modi's repeated visits to the state. After his January 20 visit to Assam, the Prime Minister within a gap of few days again toured the state on February 5.

His day-long visit was pretty hectic, as he attended several events. However, in spite of a busy schedule, Modi did not forget to target his rivals, keeping an eye on the forthcoming elections.

As per reports, Modi is likely to campaign for BJP's chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal.

Sonowal is contesting from Majuli. It is not just Majuli, the river island and the centre of Vashnavite culture in Assam, Modi is also going to address an election rally in Gogoi's constituency of Titabor.

BJP spokesperson, Bijon Mahajan, told reporters, "Prime minister will address election meeting. He is likely to visit Assam on March 24 or 25 and will address election meeting in Majuli."

In spite of several surveys signaling a win for the BJP-AGP alliance in the state, Gogoi is confident of his party's victory.

"I am sure that people of Assam will shower their love and affection and ensure that Congress is back to power in the state. I have done some mistakes as I am not perfect. However, I am not vindictive."

"There is anti-incumbency, but anti-incumbency is there against other parties too," Gogoi added.

Recently we have seen, AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), RJD and JD(U) announcing a grand alliance of "secular parties" in Assam and invited Congress to join them to fight BJP in the forthcoming assembly polls.

As polls are few days from now, hectic politicking will be witnessed, however, only time will tell whether Modi could dethrone Gogoi as Assam's CM or not.